Project and Problem Based Learning - Fifth Graders use Project Based Learning and Problem Based Learning in the lab and in the classroom. Projects are designed to answer a question or solve a problem and generally reflect the types of learning and work people do in the everyday world outside the classroom. Each child has an I.L.P. which is used in planning the goals that must be met.

Research - All students master using the computer as a tool and information resource to produce a research paper. While using the Internet as a resource they became very skilled at determining the accuracy and value of web sites. Word processing skills that they practice included: copy, paste, cut, spell check, select all, line spacing, centering, tab, delete, inserting pictures, changing font, and printing.

Word Processing - They use Microsoft Word and Text Editor to create documents.
Text Editor is used to create their Hebrew documents. They easily changed the preferences to Hebrew and right justification. They successfully used their e-mail, Drop Box, and portable flash drives to store and transfer their files.

For four weeks the fifth graders worked on improving their keyboarding skills. There are several sites online where they can continue practicing over the summer. They are very skilled at searching the Internet, and they can easily use Google to search for a keyboarding site they could use this summer.

The fifth graders were active members of two online learning communities. (http://hebrewdayschoolclassof2010.wikispaces.com/) and Edmodo.com. While participating in these online communities they learned the importance of keeping a password private, and the importance of not posting personal information online. Students discussed acceptable and unacceptable behavior when taking part in such a community, and the consequences of irresponsible uses of technology resources. Edmodo was a great opportunity for students to discuss topics, and share ideas.

Students learn to use our SMART Board. They are able to manipulate text, pictures, and programs during whole class lessons. All of the students were highly motivated when we use the SMART Board, and many of the students created lessons using Notebook, which they then used to teach their peers.


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A fifth grader teaching the fourth graders how to do mental math.


This semester they created an English and Hebrew page for the yearbook. They use all the skills they have learned about the word processing programs, and layout and design to create their pages.